NFF, Jose Peseiro in stand-off over Super Eagles job
Out-of-contract Super Eagles Head Coach Jose Peseiro is in a stand-off with Nigerian football’s governing body, NFF, over a new contract with the national team ahead of the Super Eagles’ dead-rubber match against Sao Tome & Principe.
Portuguese tactician Peseiro was employed by immediate past NFF chairman Amaju Pinnick after the country failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He was handed a short-term contract, and his deal with the federation has expired.
Peseiro has made his intention to remain as coach of the Super Eagles known, often stating that he intends to win the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations with the side. Despite his contract running out, he wants to continue in the position.
NFF have revealed that they cannot afford to pay Peseiro, who was earning $70,000 monthly, and have proposed a pay cut to allow them renew his contract. Chairman of the Technical Committee Sheriff Rabiu Inuwa revealed that he has a three-day ultimatum to accept their offer or move on.
“The Technical Committee has given him [Peseiro] three days to respond to our proposed pay cut or we disengage him finally. We will allow him to continue if he accepts a reduction in his 70,000 USD monthly salary and other conditions of service.
“If he turns down our proposal, we will consider appointing a coach to oversee the dead rubber game against Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo, then we start to search for a new substantive coach that the NFF can afford to pay his salary.”
Peseiro has given no indication of an interest in working on a reduced salary, meaning that he may be let go of by the federation. The NFF have shortlisted Austin Eguavoen, Salisu Yusuf and Finidi George as possible candidates to handle the game against Sao Tome & Principe, with the Super Eagles already through to the Africa Cup of Nations.
